rotavirus

American  

[roh-tuh-vahy-ruhs] / ˈroʊ təˌvaɪ rəs /

noun

plural

rotaviruses

1. a double-stranded RNA virus of the genus Rotavirus, family Reoviridae, that is a major cause of infant diarrhea.

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rotavirus British  

/ ˈrəʊtəˌvaɪrəs /

noun

1. any member of a genus of viruses that cause worldwide endemic infections. They occur in birds and mammals, cause diarrhoea in children, and are usually transmitted in food prepared with unwashed hands

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Etymology

Origin of rotavirus

1974; < Latin rota wheel + virus

Example Sentences

Murray points out rotavirus, which lost its general recommendation status with the new schedule.

From Slate • Jan. 9, 2026

Merck also makes a rotavirus vaccine, which is no longer recommended for all children in the U.S., though the Jefferies analyst expects that recommendation to have a “more minimal impact” on the drug giant.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 7, 2026

Vaccines not recommended for all children in Denmark include those for chickenpox, rotavirus, meningococcal and hepatitis A.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 19, 2025

But the mRNA vaccines are "remarkably safe" and key to helping prevent against severe infections from viruses like Covid, said Dr Offit, who invented the rotavirus vaccine.

From BBC • Aug. 5, 2025

Take rotavirus, Ratner said, which causes severe diarrhea that can be life-threatening for children if untreated.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2025